In this age of mobility there are going to be times when you are not at home to check on your loved ones and your precious things since you are not there. A fully fledged home security system can be very expensive, so why not consider another way – IP cameras?

With these IP cameras you will be able to monitor what is happening at home (or your small business premises) since they provide streaming video or recorded video. There are a lot of IP wifi cameras available and they are not the same in quality. Some have more features and some have less. Finally the capabilities will vary and so will the prices.

In this best IP camera review we will take a good look at the best indoor IP cameras, outdoor IP cameras and IP cameras that can be used indoors and outdoors. Furthermore we want you to have all of the critical information that is required to make a purchase decision, and as a result we have included everything for you. Consequently, you can trust our recommendations.

Overview of the Best IP Cameras

We have chosen the very best IP cameras in three different categories you maybe looking for which are the best indoor cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras and outdoor cameras. You will see in the tables below how these cameras are rated in terms of features, price and popularity. Below that in the IP cameras review section there is a lot more detail provided.

The Best Indoor Internet Camera Reviews

The IP cameras that are shown in the table above will now be reviewed in detail below. All of the reviews are honest and will help you to make an informed decision. At the end of the reviews we make our recommendation for the best IP camera in each category.

This wireless IP camera is one of the best wireless security cameras due to its 1080p HD video streaming on a 24/7 basis. The has a wide angle view set at 130° and the camera lens is made of glass. The night vision capabilities of this camera are excellent as a result of it’s superior infrared LED’s.

Setting up the Nest Cam is easy due to its WiFi connectivity. As a result, all that you need to do is to plug the camera in and then download the app and follow the instructions. There is no requirement for a separate hub because everything is built in.

The camera has an 8x zoom and it also has an image sensor. You can save your video recordings to cloud storage. Night vision is very sharp so that you can see everything. A 3 mega pixel lens which has eight LED’s surrounding it provides the superior night vision functionality.

The Nest Cam can generate motion and sound alerts. There is a preferences section where you can tweak the settings for these alerts. The camera’s tolerance to false alarms is good due to its advanced motion-sensing ability, but in order to benefit from advanced alert features you will need to pay a monthly subscription to Nest Aware.

The two way audio feature is useful as you can use this as a baby monitor and for other purposes. The audio quality is not that great though. If you have other Nest security devices then you will be able to integrate these with the camera. A smartphone app allows full connectivity with an Android phone or iPhone. Finally this is a well built and robust IP camera.

Cons:

First of all the motorized pan and tilt on the Amcrest Pro HD will provide you with high definition video recordings and the color quality is very good. You may experience minor distortion of images from time to time though. If you use the camera at night then you will find it to be one of the best IP cameras for night vision due to the infrared LED’s.

Recordings can be saved to a micro SD card and the same result can be achieved with optional cloud storage which can work out expensive. Fast setup of the Amcrest is possible because of its WiFi capabilities and you can use either an iPhone or Android phone and the special view app. Some users did experience app connectivity issues. The same streaming video is available on your PC, Mac or tablet device.

There is a 90° angle of viewing and you can zoom in due to the intelligent zoom feature. The night vision utilizes infrared LED’s and will work up to 32 feet (nearly 10 meters). An intelligent motion sensor is included and there are a number of options for alerts.

You can use mobile apps for alerts or view on a computer since browser support is enabled (Firefox, Chrome, IE and Safari). You can also receive snapshots as well as email alerts. The camera has a useful 2 way audio facility and consequently you can both listen and speak. Unlike other IP cameras in this review, it does not integrate with other security devices.

Especially relevant is the full 12 months warranty with the Amcrest ProHD. It has been FCC, CE and UCL certified. You will receive 4 hours of free cloud storage with the camera and you can extend this by paying a monthly fee. In conclusion the Amcrest represents good value for money.

Cons:

The Arlo Q HD WiFi security camera provides 1080p high quality video streaming with audio and therefore you can monitor internal rooms 24/7. You can access the camera through your iPhone or Android phone and also a tablet device and PC or Mac. Because of this you can monitor your home from anywhere and on any device. Probably a downside is that only one user can log in at once.

Whole room viewing is possible with the Arlo Q due to its 130° field of view lens. The camera generates alerts the same way if it detects either sound or motion. Furthermore, the motion detection is of superior quality. There is a 300 feet (91 meters) line of site capability for the WiFi connection and setting up the camera should take less than 10 minutes with the web or mobile app.

The night vision on this camera is of high quality. Yet some users have reported problems where the infrared LED’s reflect off of windows. There is also two-way audio included hence you can listen as well as talk. You will receive seven days of free cloud recording and this will enable you to watch footage, download the recordings and share them too. Most noteworthy is that a contract is not required for cloud storage.

The dimensions of the Arlo Q CCTV camera are only 5 inches by 6 inches by 4.45 inches (73mm x 115 mm x 70mm) so it can be located almost anywhere in your room. It is supplied with a power adapter and cable, a wall mounting plate and a window decal. Finally, some users have experienced durability issues.

Cons:

This wireless security camera system provides 1080p HD quality streaming and has a large field of vision at 147°. Consequently the images recorded are of high quality. The night vision feature of this camera is of high quality due to its infrared system and this automatically turns on in night conditions.

The Canary All in One system comes with a siren and also has an audible output of 90+ dB. Recording will automatically begin on motion detection and the camera provides instant access to local emergency services, and has an auto arm / disarm function.

The camera system also includes Canary’s HomeHealth technology. With this technology you can track the temperature of a room, the humidity, and the air quality too. Most of all these features will assist you in determining if your rooms are healthy or not.

Also detected motion will trigger the Canary All in One system to send you an immediate video alert through the iPhone or Android phone app. As a result, these notifications are reliable. This IP camera has a long life rechargeable battery so it can be located almost anywhere.

Because the system is always adapting and learning new things it will soon understand the difference between normal and suspect activity in your rooms. The system is easy to set up with no wiring or additional hubs.

In conclusion, this camera is let down by its lack of local storage facilities, the absence of two way audio for talking and listening and especially relevant subscribing for cloud storage expensive.

Cons:

You will get 1080p HD quality recordings due to the large CMOS sensor in the SmartCam. Also stream video to your Android phone or iPhone 24/7 using the available app. Another feature is a light enhancer which will enrich the light available in dark areas of the room. This will also counteract bright light streaming through a window hence you can view the outside of your home.

The Samsung SmartCam HD has the capability for micro SD storage. In addition, there is a limit of 64GB. You can conserve your memory space because the camera can record at specific times or only start recording when sound or motion events occur. The video footage is viewable on your smartphone wherever you are. The audio quality is not the best and at times the video can be “choppy”.

At night the camera will provide good quality images within a range of 16 feet (4.8 meters). Whole room monitoring is possible thanks to the wide angle (128°) lens. Also, there is a Motion Zone Select feature where you can target specific areas of your room. Up to 3 motion zones are possible in the SmartCam’s field of view. Alerts are sent via email but only to Google accounts.

Setting up the SmartCam is simple and fast. There is no software to worry about and the setup is very intuitive. Connecting with your WiFi is very straightforward. Finally, download the free app for your iPhone or Android device and you are ready to go. A number of users had browser issues with this IP camera.

First of all the concept with the Blink wireless IP camera is rather different to the others in this IP camera review. The camera has a motion sensor built in, and when triggered it will send an alert to your Android or iPhone smartphone. Also a short clip of the event is sent to the cloud.

Especially relevant is that continuous security recording is not available with the cameras. Two lithium AA-size batteries power the Blink HD Camera so there is no requirement for power outlets since it is wire free . These batteries have a two year life span and they are included with the camera.

It is easy to set the Blink camera up yourself. The required app for either your iPhone or Android phone is included in the package. There are no service contracts or monthly fees to pay due to the free cloud storage provided.

The Blink camera will record in 720p HD and the images are reasonably clear. With motion detection triggering you will receive a push alert and also the attached video clip from the cloud. A number of users have experienced issues with notifications. Most noteworthy is the cameras also integrate with Amazon Echo, Amazon Tap and Echo Dot.

Finally it seems like the biggest issues are no on demand recording of video, no local storage and the lack of a two-way audio facility.

First of all you can have 1080p HD video streaming live to your iPhone or Android smartphone with the FLIR FX indoor WiFi security camera. This camera boasts a 160° wide angle view which is impressive. You can capture footage of your entire room or select multiple points of entry into the room.

Night vision is good due to the powerful infrared illumination. Video footage is stored on either a micro SD card (maximum 64 GB capacity) and also through a hook up with the optional cloud service (an expensive option). The FLIR FX also has temperature and humidity sensors.

The camera will inform you of motion and also sounds with its smart notifications feature. Tests have proven that false notifications occur at times.

It is rather straightforward to set up this IP camera. A smart WiFi connector will detect your signal quickly and also there is a four-hour battery to counteract power outages. WiFi connection problems have been reported by some users. You can connect your iPhone or Android phone quickly due to the free app. Some users have experienced glitches with the app.

One of the most noteworthy features on the FLIR FX is the Rapid Recap. Here you will be able to view hours of video footage quickly since it’s a short video summary, only available with the cloud storage. Finally, there is also a 2-way audio intercom, hence listening and speaking is possible.

This internal Wifi security camera will stream high-quality 1080p video on a continuous basis. If motion is detected you will receive an instant Smart alert on your Android or iPhone smartphone. The IP camera uses a rechargeable battery and tests showed that you will not get many hours of use.

You can monitor your home from anywhere so while you are at work you can track the movement of your kids and pets easily. On the negative side, there is no way to configure alerts or recordings. Two way talk / listen is included.

You will get free cloud recording and storage included in the Logitech Circle CCTV camera price. You can replay video footage, shared it or downloaded it with the cloud storage, and if someone steals your camera data will remain safe. There are other optional extras with the cloud storage such as Smart Zones and person detection.

This is one of the easiest wireless home security cameras to set up. Logitech state that it takes less than a minute to get everything ready. If you have an Android phone or iPhone then the downloadable app provides notifications to you. If you prefer to use a computer then using a browser you can achieve the same thing. Network connection issues were noted by some users.

You can connect an unlimited number of Logitech Circle cameras to the same account which makes home security monitoring a lot easier. The camera will record in 1080p HD and the night vision facility is fair. You will also get a free 30 second timelapse for the day which means you do not have to sit through hour’s worth of footage.

Cons:

This competitively priced internal CCTV camera has 720p HD recording ability and it has a glass lens for clear viewing. There is a limited field of vision with this IP camera. There is a special night vision filter included with this camera so that there is more visibility during the dark hours. You can stream live video to your iPhone or Android phone so a computer is not necessary.

The Belkin mobile phone app provides controls for you to see what is happening in your home. Some users have experienced audio quality problems. You can communicate with people in the room using the talk / listen facility. If there is a motion event in the camera’s field of vision then you will receive an email notification immediately.

It is very simple to set up this wireless security camera. Encryption provides secure video streaming. If you are looking for additional features then you can pay a monthly subscription for Cloud+ premium services. The cloud services enable you to store video recordings and receive smartphone or tablet motion sensed notifications.

The Belkin NetCam is compatible with the WeMo range of security products. These products will control the lighting in your home as well as other facilities and all of this can be managed from the NetCam app. The camera is small and measure just 3.3 inches by 2.6 inches by 4.9 inches (8.3cm x 6.6cm x 12.4cm).

Cons:

You can have all day video streaming on 1080p HD with this camera. It has a reasonable field of view at 62° and there is a pan and tilt facility which is 350° by 100°. This will be sufficient to cover the area of your room. Pan and tilt controlled through the app which you can download and this is free. Night vision on the camera will work up to 20 feet (6 meters) and works very well.

It is relatively easy to set up the Kamtron HD camera as it has a Wifi connector and also supports a wired Ethernet connection. Sometimes it can be difficult to establish a Wifi connection. You can choose to monitor your camera using an iPhone, Android device, a tablet or a PC or Mac using a web app. You will need to connect the camera to a mains power outlet.

The camera has intelligent motion detection and alerts are sent to your smartphone via the installed app. Video recordings can be saved locally to a micro SD card that has a maximum capacity of 64 GB. There is also a cloud storage option (Cloud Box) with this camera. The camera supports two way audio so you can listen to and speak with people in your home while you are elsewhere.

The Kamtron HD Camera is fairly compact and measures 5 inches by 4 inches by 3 inches (12.7cm x 10.1cm x 7.6cm). You can adjust the sharpness, brightness, saturation and contrast of the camera from the app. It is supplied with a 12 months warranty.

In conclusion, this camera is competitively priced with good features. To get the best out of the IP camera you will need rather a lot of Internet bandwidth. In some tests WiFi connectivity was lost between the camera and the router.

Cons:

Despite only recording in 720p HD this camera produces good quality videos for internal security. It has a wide angle view of 120° and the night vision facility will let you see what is happening in the dark. Problems have been reported about the switch over to night vision happening too fast.

You will receive a live feed to your smartphone or computer and there are 10 second event videos that will be stored in the cloud for a day. Local video storage is not available and you will not be able to record video on demand.

You can view your live security stream by downloading either the iPhone or Android app. If the Oco HD camera detects any movement or strange happening then a smart notification reaches your smartphone immediately.

Manually adjust the sensors on the camera or you can do this via the app. The app has a number of preference settings including those relating to notifications. You can talk two-way to someone within the room your camera is monitoring while you are elsewhere.

The Oco HD Wi-Fi camera utilizes enterprise level security. The setup is fairly painless and the WiFi connects easily. You can mount the camera on the ceiling, a shelf or any of your walls. It is versatile enough to be located anywhere. It is a small and lightweight camera with dimensions of 4.8 inches by 4.7 inches by 3.4 inches (12.2cm x 11.9cm x 8.6cm).

Cons:

This is a 720p HD wireless IP camera that produces good quality videos and streams despite not being 1080p quality. The camera is lightweight and small with a silver base. You can pivot the camera up and down, and there is a zoom feature within the app for controlling the camera.

You can use the Simplicam with your Android phone or iPhone and the USB connection will connect with a PC as well. Download the app and then it is very simple to connect the camera to your WiFi. This camera has a lens with 107° field of vision. Night vision capability is included and this can provide visibility down to 0 lux. Some users reported glass reflection issues at night.

This camera does not have activity zones that scan for a movement like some of the best IP cameras since it uses face detection to check if any person is entering or leaving your home. The reason for this is that often moving branches or trees will generate false alerts with other cameras. The face detection software did not work that well and needs improvement.

The Simplicam will generate alerts for face detection or sound or motion if you set it up to do that. The sensitivity of the camera is adjustable using the app as well as the microphone. There is a two-way talk / listen facility which has average audio quality. If you want to keep recordings then you will need to choose from the ArcSoft recording plans.

This wireless IP camera provides high-quality video streaming and recording at 1080p HD. It has a wide angle lens with a large 180° field of view which will be more than sufficient to monitor the largest of rooms. Continuous recording is possible or you can setup the camera to only record against schedules or when motion or sound events trigger it.

Local recording storage for the D-Link happens through the use of a micro SD card. If the maximum capacity SD card is used (128 GB), you should have enough storage for 7 days worth of continuous recordings. Any recordings stored on the SD card will be viewable using the app or the web portal.

Setting up the IP camera is not the same as others and can prove difficult. It is a large, bulky camera which is opposite to the other IP cameras being reviewed. As a result, you will probably find the D-Link heavy.

When it gets dark the night vision will take over and this is usable up to 16 feet (4.8 meters). This works effectively even when it is completely dark. A two-way audio facility enables you to listen as well as talk wherever you happen to be.

The D-Link has two PIR sensors effectively detecting sound and motion and push alerts generated from this. There are no email alerts though.

Using the app you will be able to zoom in up to 8 times using a pinch on your smartphone. You can view the stream and control the camera using the app for Android phones, Windows phones, and iOS phones.

Cons:

This is another 1080p HD camera that will record locally to a micro SD card or hard drive and if you want to record to the cloud there is an optional extra for this. Smart technology is included for the detection of motion and the generation of intelligent alerts. Captured images of events dispatched to either your iPhone or Android phone.

The night vision on the Foscam C2 is impressive and provides clear vision in the dark up to 26 feet (8 meters).

The advanced PIR technology in the camera provides detection of motion and alerts. The capturing of objects in motion is not as good as it could be. Enhanced color balance using an IR cut filter and the field of view is 120°. Furthermore, the audio quality of this IP camera is very good.

Setting up the camera should be straightforward through the plug and play setup. Some users have experienced setup difficulties and some have reported connection problems once the camera is setup. The Foscam smartphone app provides on-screen prompts for connection to your WiFi and other elements. You should be watching live video streams of your home in minutes.

A two-way audio facility is included with the Foscam C2 and you will be able to talk and listen with this. The enhanced audio technology reduces noises in the background for a more superior performance. This camera is FCC and CE certified and comes with a 2 year U.S. warranty. The support service for this IP camera needs improvement.

This camera will record in 1080p HD whatever the light conditions. The picture quality is good and in the dark the high powered infrared LED delivers good night vision footage with clear views. This camera has a field of view of 130°. The camera can be setup to record just activity so there is no requirement to capture hours of footage. Some users reported lags in the live feed.

The Netatmo internal wireless IP camera can be located almost anywhere in your home or small business premises. You will need the Netatmo app for your Android or iOS device. From there you just plug the camera in and follow the instructions. Once the camera is set up you can use the app for live video streaming and the receiving of alerts.

If the camera hears an external alarm such as a smoke alarm, security alarm, CO alarm etc then it will send an alert to you instantly and record a video of the event too. Some false alarms can be generated due to the over sensitivity of the motion detector.

The face recognition technology is good enough to detect those people that you know and those that you don’t. It does take a long time to truly recognize faces.

With the Netatmo Welcome you do not have to pay any storage fees. A micro SD card is included and you also have the option of using your Dropbox account or storing using FTP. The recordings use end to end encryption so your videos will be safe.

Specifications & Details:

Power: Power Adapter
Connectivity: Ethernet & Wireless
Camera: 1080p, 4MP
Local storage on MicroSD card, up to 32GB
Sends pictures if an intruder is detected.

This camera has a 130° field of vision and a 5 Megapixel sensor. It will provide streaming and recording in high quality 1080p HD. The picture quality is very sharp. Setting up this IP camera is easy. Access to the camera is through a smart security app which will work with your iPhone or your Android phone. This indoor CCTV camera is equipped with a siren which has an output of 93 dB.

The night vision capabilities of the LG Smart are good giving a clear picture whatever the light conditions. You can setup custom alerts with the app that align with your daily activities. Alerts sent to you only if there is any activity detected by the camera.

Many people now have other security devices in their homes and this camera will integrate with Z-Wave, Alexa and Amazon devices. Management of the devices is via the ADT Canopy app. All alerts have to be setup manually. You can opt for professional security services from ADT for a premium, and security professionals monitor your home or business premises.

Cloud storage of video is available at a monthly cost. There is no local storage. Seven days worth of video recordings can be stored. There is a microphone and speaker built in to the LG Smart for two way conversations. The temperature and humidity sensor will activate the siren for exceeding thresholds.

The Best Indoor/Outdoor IP Camera Reviews

This wireless IP camera is for both indoor and outdoor use. It is completely weatherproof and will operate correctly in the heat, rain or snow. The camera conforms to the IP65 weatherproofing standard. You should note that this is an “add on” camera and a NetGear Arlobase station is also a required purchase.

Video is streamed and recorded in 720p HD. Night vision is not as sharp and clear as it could be. The NetGear Arlo Pro is completely wire free and two long life rechargeable batteries are included. You can store your video recordings by adding a USB storage drive and connecting this to the camera. Free Arlo cloud storage will store activity based recordings for a week.

A mobile app for Android phones and iOS phones allows you to control the camera and have a live view of what is happening in your home from anywhere in the world. The camera has 2-way audio thanks to the microphone and speaker so you can listen and talk from your smartphone.

The NetGear Arlo has a 130° field of vision lens and there is a digital pan and zoom feature. 8 infrared LED’s provide night vision capabilities with a maximum distance of 25 feet (7.6 meters). Setting up the camera with the base station is very easy.

Pros:

Cons:

This is the complete system of base station and camera. For a review of the camera please see the NetGear Arlo Pro above. The base station has a built-in siren that has an audible output of 100 dB. The app for the iOS and Android phones can control all elements of the base station. The Arlo cameras connect wirelessly with the base station up to a line of sight range of 300 feet (91.4 meters).

Pros:

Cons:

This is another indoor and outdoor use wireless IP camera. It has a 4 Megapixel lens and can stream and record video in high quality HD 1080p. It can achieve 720p streaming and recording too. There is an 80° viewing angle with this camera and night vision capabilities up to 65 feet (30.4 meters) in complete darkness. 36 infrared LED’s provide good night vision. Sound quality on the videos is poor.

The Reolink 4MP sends real-time motion detection alerts using email that have photograph attachments or video clips lasting 30 seconds. Users have experienced some quality issues with the motion events triggering such as oversensitivity.

If you have the mobile phone app then push notifications occur immediately with motion events. It doesn’t matter if you have an iPhone, an Android phone, PC or Mac you can monitor what is going on in your home.

Dual-band Wifi (2.4/5) and 2T2R antennas provide the strongest wireless connection. There are no cables to contend with but the installation and setup of the camera could be easier. There is a built-in micro 16GB SD storage card for video recording. You will be able to save up to 400 motion triggered events for playback at a later time. Footage can also be uploaded using FTP.

You can use the Reolink 4MP outside your home thanks to the weather-resistant body the camera has. It is made from an aluminum alloy that conforms with the IP66 weatherproofing standard.

Specifications & Details:

Pros:

Local video storage provided

The price is very competitive

Video picture quality and night vision good

Cons:

This is another IP camera that is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It has a wide-angle lens and a field of view of 180°. The camera will provide streaming video in HD 1080p quality. 24 hours a day usage thanks to its night vision infrared LED’s which will provide images during the dark hours. The night vision quality is not as good as some cameras.

With the Logitech Circle 2 you get customized motion alerts instantly. There is a Circle Safe premium option, and here notifications occur with person detection or there is motion in a zone you have created. Tests have shown that the motion sensing is not very reliable. There is no configuration of alerts.

Free cloud storage will let you access a day’s worth of video footage. You will also get a 30 second overview of the footage which will save you having to go through hours of video. You can extend the cloud storage facilities by paying a monthly premium for more storage space and additional features.

The Logitech Circle 2 is a weatherproof camera that will withstand rain and snow. There are simple to navigate apps for the camera if you have an Android or iOS phone. Setting up the camera is easy and it connects using WiFi. There is two-way audio for talking / listening to another person from your smartphone.

Cons:

The Best Outdoor IP Camera Reviews

This outdoor CCTV camera has a wide lens with a 130° field of view. It will stream and record video in 1080p HD quality all day and night (uses 8 infrared LED’s for night vision). The camera is IP65 weatherproofing standard rated and can withstand rain showers and dust. A waterproof power supply in two parts makes this camera easy to install outdoors.

A control and setup app for iOS and Android phones enables you to connect your Nest Cam outdoor camera to your Wifi and monitor the camera. You can also use this app to monitor and control other Nest devices, such as the Nest Thermostat and Nest Cam Indoor.

The app can be setup to turn off the camera when you are home and turn it on when you leave. You will need a good Internet connection for the camera to work properly.

You will receive alerts to your smartphone when the camera detects activity. If you want to save and playback your recordings then you will need to subscribe to the cloud service and there are 7 day and 30 day packages available. This cloud storage option is expensive.

The Nest Cam outdoor camera has the capability for two-way listening / speaking. You can use your smartphone to have a conversation with somebody outside. All the extras needed to install the camera outside your home provided and this is a two camera pack.

Cons:

This outdoor camera has a 3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and is able to stream high quality live video in full HD 1080p. There is a night vision facility courtesy of the infrared LED’s and this can best be described as OK. The camera has a number of image settings so you can adjust contrast, sharpness, white balance, noise reduction and exposure.

The Hikvision camera is weatherproof to IP66 standards. It will withstand all sorts of inclement weather including rain and snow. The camera is robust and fairly easy to install. There is a CD supplied to configure the camera which does not take very long. Some users experienced setup problems.

You will be able to control the camera using the PC client app or there is an app available for the Android and iOS range of smart phones. You can configure the alarm settings and many other preferences.

The Hikvision has a range of around 79°. With this range distortion is well controlled and the image remains sharp.

In conclusion this IP camera has some good features but the lack of local video storage is a letdown. There is a three year warranty with the camera and for an outdoor IP camera the price is reasonable.

Pros:

Cons:

This outdoor camera has a 3 Megapixel lens that produces very good quality HD 1080p streaming video. A wide angle lens with a horizontal 90° field of vision and a vertical 50° field of vision provides sufficient coverage of the outside of your home. Night vision built in with a 50 feet (15.2 meters) capability.

You can store your video recordings using a micro SD card (maximum capacity 128GB). The TriVision outdoor camera will work with wired Ethernet or Wifi and uses POE. If you use the wired Ethernet connection there is no need for a power outlet to work the camera. In some tests the WiFi connectivity suffered from connection problems.

With its IP67 weatherproofing standard this camera withstands all of the elements. There is a straight forward 3 step installation and setup procedure that a number of users have found to be complex. The motion sensor will send email alerts and you can view footage using an iPhone, iPad, Android device, Mac computer or PC.

You can use the TriVision to store video footage remotely using FTP to any configured server. In conclusion this camera is very durable and is very well made for the abuse that it will suffer outdoors.

Pros:

Cons:

This outdoor IP dome camera is equipped with a 3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and can stream live video in 1080p HD quality (30 frames per second). The camera will survive the elements thanks to its compliance with the IP66 weatherproofing standards. It has night vision provided by infrared LED’s and the manufacturers claim a 30 feet working distance.

The Hikvision Dome is a pan and tilt camera with a 355° pan capability. This solidly built camera has a housing that is vandal proof. This camera is compact and its dimensions are 4.4 inches by 3.1 inches by 3.2 inches (11.2cm x 7.8cm x 8.1cm). It is also very lightweight at just 15.2 ounces (431 grams).

You will get as good field of view with this camera. The setup software is supposed to be intuitive but a number of users reported it to be too complex. There were cases of the wrong firmware being installed as well. You can access the software via a web browser on your PC or Mac or through downloadable apps for your iOS or Android device.

The Hikvision Dome uses POE to power it so you will not need any other power supplies. The installation is straight forward and mounting screws come with the camera. It is not as expensive as other external CCTV cameras.

Pros:

Cons:

A 4 Megapixel lens that provides a 83° field of view and can stream 1080p HD high quality video. Like the other Hikvision outdoor cameras it is powered using POE so there are no power outlets to concern yourself with.

Your Hikvision 4MP will withstand rain and dust thanks to its IP66 weatherproofing certification. It has some other useful features including a 120 dB dynamic range, 3D digital noise reduction and the night vision range is 98 feet (30 meters).

First you will need to mount the camera and then connect it using the Ethernet cable. You will have to change the IP address of the camera to work with your network. Then install the software on a computer and it will scan for your camera. Be aware that this camera is not that easy to setup.

The same firmware issues were reported as the other Hikvision camera. Users that tried to get support for this issue experienced a number of difficulties including long delays in responses or receiving no answers at all.

You can setup the Hikvision 4MP to only record when there is motion detected. Choose from seven levels of zoom sensitivity. There are a number of other settings such as white balance and exposure, and you can adjust these from the software.

Pros:

Cons:

If you prefer watching videos instead of reading check the following video review with all the reviewed IP cameras:

The Best Indoor Wireless IP Camera

In this indoor IP camera review, we have taken a good look at 16 of the best indoor wireless security cameras. We have looked at the main features of each camera, considering the price, the video storage capabilities, and other factors. There are a lot of other internal IP security cameras available, yet we have chosen the best ones for you here.

We strongly recommend the Nest Cam Indoor security camera as the best WiFi security camera. It is quite an expensive camera but the quality is very high, and it is not a good idea to do home security on the cheap since you will be relying on this for the safety of you and your family.

You will get excellent video quality in both the day and night modes and the motion detection features are more reliable than with some of the other cameras. You can set this camera up very easily, and if you have other Nest security products then there is easy integration with these because of its compatibility.

Therefore you need to make the right investment into your home security today and don’t settle for anything less than the Nest Cam best WiFi camera. It won’t let you down and will provide you with excellent protection.

The Best Indoor/Outdoor IP Camera

There are not that many IP cameras classified for indoor and outdoor use. We took an in depth look at four of them in this review. In the main these cameras are quite expensive because they have weatherproofing to operate successfully outside.

Our top recommendation here is the Netgear Arlo Pro Security System. This is one of the most popular IP cameras available because it has so many good features. Yes it is expensive, but this is a very versatile home security solution for indoor and outdoor use.

You will get very sharp HD video quality with this system. It also has IFTTT support while most of the other cameras do not have this. The sound and motion sensing is good and these are used to trigger recordings. You also get free cloud storage with the system that will probably provide enough videos for the normal household.

The other cameras in this category are just not as good as the Netgear Arlo system. It is a completely wire-free system and the rechargeable batteries last a long time. As a result, if you want the versatility of an indoor and outdoor security system then this is the one to choose.

The Best Outdoor IP Camera

If you are looking for durable outdoor cameras for your home or small business security then you need to be prepared to spend some money. We took a look at the top 5 wireless outdoor security cameras in this review and consequently all of them are over $100.

Our winner in this category is the Nest Cam Outdoor Security 2 Pack. You are getting two cameras in this deal and therefore this is excellent value for money. These cameras have wide angle lenses and as a result produce very crisp HD video. The motion detection on these cameras is very powerful.

You will get 3 hours of free cloud storage with these cameras which maybe enough. If this is not enough for you then you can pay for additional storage. You get geofencing and scheduling and the cameras are very simple to install. The iPhone and Android phone apps are easy to use and put you in control.

Make sure that your outdoor IP camera purchase is the Nest Cam Outdoor Security 2 pack. This is especially relevant as you will get the highest quality, great features and a reasonable price for a pair of top quality security cameras.

How to Setup Your IP Camera

You want to protect your home with your IP cameras, so use this setup guide to decide on the locations of your IP cameras and to set them up quickly. This is a general guide to help you to get your wifi camera up and running fast. For full setup technical instructions please refer to the specific instructions supplied with your IP camera.

The Best Locations for your IP Cameras

It is really important to get the placement of your IP cameras right so that they provide maximum security protection. Protecting your home and the people in it is what you must focus on. An IP camera positioned where there is little chance of movement or entry will not protect you.

Protect your Front Door

Most criminal activity is going to occur at your front door. So it makes sense to locate an IP camera here to monitor activity. If you are using an outdoor IP camera then make sure it is visible as this acts as a deterrent. If you have an internal IP camera then place a sign at your front door (and other places outside) that clearly informs that security cameras are active.

Windows on the First Floor

Many criminals will use first floor windows to break in so you need to protect them. Think about the first floor windows of your home that are out of sight. These will tend to be at the back and side of your home. Criminals tend not to use front windows for entry as the risk of others seeing them is high.

Also bear in mind that criminals can use first floor windows to make an assessment of what is in your home. Because of this it is a good idea to locate an indoor IP camera pointing towards first floor windows. When you do this you can experience some problems due to light reflections so test the location of your IP camera. When a criminal sees the camera they will look for another home to burgle.

Place an IP Camera at the Back Door

A burglar will attempt to gain entry using the back door of your home because they will feel safer doing this away from prying eyes. This will test the effectiveness of your home security so make sure the camera position is right.

There are two schools of thought about the visibility of IP security cameras at your back door. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent due to the fact that the criminals can see them. But as the criminals will be out of sight they may be tempted to interfere with outdoor IP cameras.

A burglar will not want their face to appear on IP camera footage and this might drive them to damage your camera and property. A strategically placed indoor camera that monitors the back door is a good choice here.

Monitor your Garage with a security IP Camera

Each time that you open your garage doors you are letting potential burglars see what valuables you have. It is important that you protect your garage with IP cameras as the doors to a garage are normally more vulnerable than those of your home. You will have more valuable items in your garage than you think such as tools and bicycles.

Use an indoor IP camera in your garage because you want to see how the burglar is getting in and what they are looking for. With a well placed indoor IP camera, you will have a better chance of recording their face. If you want to use outdoor IP cameras to protect your garage you will probably need more than one.

Use IP Cameras on Stairs

There may be a stairway outside of your home that provides access to the roof or other areas. These are potential criminal entry points and need to be protected using well located outdoor IP cameras. Be a step ahead of the burglars by ensuring IP cameras cover these stairways.

Inside your home it is an excellent idea to locate indoor IP cameras on your stairways. A determined burglar will climb your stairs to see what your upstairs rooms have to offer. Because of this you have an excellent chance of capturing their face with an IP camera. They will also have to walk down the stairs to exit your property so you will get a second chance.

Monitor your Backyard with an IP Camera

It is very important to monitor the activity of your backyard. Furthermore you can check weather conditions and the encroachment of any dangerous animals. A backyard is an ideal place for a burglar as it provides access to your home with minimal chance of discovery. So using an IP camera to monitor your backyard is highly recommended.

The number of security cameras that you will need to keep track of what’s going on in your backyard will depend on its size and the night vision capabilities of your IP camera. If an intruder enters your backyard at night you want to be able to record their face clearly. If you need more than one IP camera to cover your entire backyard then this is worth the investment.

Connecting IP Cameras to your Network

If you are not technically savvy it can be a daunting prospect setting up your IP cameras to connect to your network. There is no need for you to be concerned because the modern wifi cameras all have a fairly straight forward setup process. With a modern security camera that connects to a network easily you will probably be able to set it up in around 15 minutes.

In order to connect your IP camera to your network you will need a network that is working properly and then to follow the setup instructions. Every security camera will have a slightly different setup configuration, but you can use the general steps below to succeed with any IP camera.

Check your Network

If you have cable TV and the Internet in your home then there will be a network router installed. These days most routers are WiFi enabled and will have one or more antenna provided. First of all you need to understand that the router is an intelligent device that directs the traffic of the various devices in your home and the Internet. Think cable TV, laptops, smart phones and so on.

Most routers that are WiFi enabled will also have Ethernet ports where you can connect a wired IP camera to. Check the WiFi signal strength of your router as your IP camera will be streaming video and this requires a strong signal. Most broadband connections have high bandwidth these days and this will be required if you intend to install multiple IP cameras.

Getting your IP Camera Ready

When you purchase a new IP camera it will be unconfigured. Because of this you will not just be able to plug it in and start recording. You will need to undergo an initial setup process where you will assemble your IP camera attaching antennas and any cables. Finally you can power up your camera ready for the network connection process to begin.

To connect the IP camera to your home network you will usually need to enter a specific IP address as well as a username and password supplied with the IP camera. With some IP cameras you will need to use an Ethernet cable to connect to your router for the first time. This is due to the fact that the WiFi is unusable at this point. After setup the cable can be removed and the WiFi used.

After you have made the connection with your home network you will be able to access options since you will want to change the brightness, white balance and contrast among other things. Almost all cameras that hang upside down will need their images flipped so that you can see them properly.

Discovering the Network

Your IP camera will probably provide browser access so that you can discover the network. With this access wireless access can be setup and the camera feed quality adjusted. During the setup process your IP camera will detect your home network and you can then enter the WiFi security password so that the IP camera can stream video footage wirelessly. In addition, this is a onetime only setup requirement.

Check that you can connect to your IP Camera

Finally you should be able to access your IP camera remotely since you have completed the setup process. Access is through the use of a mobile app for your iPhone or Android phone or through the use of a browser on your laptop or desktop. As a result of setting up your IP camera correctly, the camera feed will be visible immediately.

Be sure to test this. With modern IP cameras access to them is possible inside and outside of your network. You will be able to remote view your IP camera wherever you happen to be as long as you can connect to the Internet.

Other IP Camera Setup Considerations

Does your IP camera require a power outlet or does it have rechargeable batteries? If a power outlet is required then consider this when you are locating it.

If your IP camera is WiFi enabled then check the maximum distance that it will work away from your router. Maybe you will require a signal booster if your desired location is remote from your home router.

With wired IP cameras you will need to consider the length of Ethernet cable to connect with your router. Some IP cameras derive their power using POE and if they are too far away from the router they may not function correctly.

With outdoor IP cameras you will probably need an external power outlet. This will need to be protected from the elements and encased so that it cannot be easily switched off by burglars.

Invest In An IP Camera And Protect Your Family

We have enjoyed bringing you this best IP camera review and we sincerely hope that it will help you to make the right choice of protection for your home. Compared to a full home security system, IP cameras are good value and cost less. The top models will provide you with the best quality streaming and all of the features that you need yet they are cheaper than professional systems.

Furthermore, you can do home security on the cheap but it is not worth it. If you buy cheap IP cameras and they stop working then your home and loved ones will be unprotected until you replace them. As a result we recommend that you go for quality every time, because home security is truly an investment worth making.